Liverpool to face Mexican side Monterrey in Club World Cup semi-final

Mexican side Monterrey will be Liverpool’s opponents in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final after they beat Qatari side Al Sadd on Saturday evening.

Monterrey were the favourites heading into the game, and eventually held off the hosts’ threat to progress to the last four.

Among the goalscorers for Monterrey was Rogelio Funes Mori (pictured above), the twin brother of former Everton defender Ramiro Funes Mori.

The opening goal was the highlight of the match, with Argentine left-back Leonel Vangioni hitting a thunderbolt into the top corner from 25 yards.

Monterrey didn’t have it all their own way, though, with Al Sadd – who are managed by Barcelona legend Xavi – making it 2-1 after the break and then 3-2 late on after Carlos Rodriguez had seemingly given Monterrey a comfortable lead.

In the end, the Mexican side were forced to hold on for a 3-2 win to set up the tie against the European Champions, who arrive in Qatar on Sunday.

Elsewhere, Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal beat Tunisian side Esperance Sportive 1-0 to set up a semi-final against Brazilian side Flamengo.

Former Swansea City striker Bafetimbi Gomis scored the winner for Al Hilal.

Esperance and Al Sadd will now contest the fifth-place play-off on Tuesday, which sounds fun. Yes, a fifth-place play-off, really.

Liverpool vs. Monterrey takes place at the Khalifa International Stadium on Wednesday, with a 5.30pm (GMT) kick off.